Cruise with Virgin Voyages
I attended the launch of Virgin Voyages first ship Scarlet Lady in February 2020 – due to the pandemic the sailings were delayed and I finally got to experience my first cruise onboard Valiant Lady in 2022. I have just returned from my fourth sailing on this cruise line – it is a testament to the standard and quality of the brand that I have sailed this many times with them in such a short period!
The Ships: First off let's talk about the ships, so far there are three, being Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady and Valiant Lady (Brilliant Lady will debut in September 2025) They are all sleek, modern vessels with an emphasis on design. It’s not your typical cruise ship that feels like a floating shopping mall. The vibe is more like a luxury hotel on water, with clean lines, stylish lounges and tons of outdoor space. You won’t find a cheesy neon-lit casino here. Instead, you get cool, minimalist decor and a real sense of chic elegance.
Adults-Only Vibes Virgin Voyages is adults-only and honestly, it’s a huge plus. It makes a big difference when it comes to the atmosphere, especially if you’re looking for a more relaxing, grown-up experience. The crowd was a mix of couples, solo travellers and groups of friends, all looking to unwind and have fun without the distractions of little ones.
Food: Next-Level Dining Virgin Voyages has absolutely nailed it in this department. No buffet food! Instead, you have a variety of specialty restaurants, all included in your cruise fare. Yep, no extra charges for dining at any of the restaurants. We’re talking Italian, Mexican, Asian fusion and even a raw bar. The quality of food is seriously impressive. I’m a huge foodie and I was genuinely surprised by how delicious each meal was. Every dinner felt like a night out at a trendy restaurant rather than typical cruise ship food. One standout for me was The Test Kitchen—a super cool concept restaurant where you get a multi-course tasting menu that changes during the sailing. The food was innovative and beautifully presented. My other favourite restaurant was the Wake, with the most delicious filet mignon and brunch here on sea days was excellent too (the warm salted brioche bread is to die for too!)
The Social Scene: Chill, But Fun Virgin Voyages definitely leans into the whole "relaxed luxury" vibe. There's no stuffy dress code, there are plenty of chill hangout spots like rooftop bars, cozy lounges and even a pool area that feels more like a beach club than a traditional cruise pool. There’s also a fun social scene. During the evenings, the ship comes alive with cocktail parties, themed nights and DJ sets. But it’s never overcrowded or rowdy. It’s just the right balance of energy without feeling like a party. Top tip - on each sailing there will be a “Scarlet Night” where everyone wears red, so bring something red to wear that evening or you may be the odd ones out!
Wellness and Relaxation: Spa & Fitness If you’re into wellness, Virgin Voyages has lots to offer. The Redemption Spa is absolutely gorgeous, with saunas, massages and plenty of relaxation areas. I treated myself to an aromatherapy massage and it was pure bliss. There’s also a full fitness centre with yoga classes, spinning and a jogging track for those who want to stay active. It's a great way to balance out the indulgent food and drinks!
The Virgin Voyages App: Your Ultimate Cruise Companion If you're planning a cruise with Virgin Voyages, you're going to want to get familiar with their mobile app. It’s your all-in-one tool for navigating your trip, from booking activities to ordering drinks and even keeping track of your cruise schedule. As soon as you have booked, download the app and login, pre-travel the app is mostly limited to checking in and pre-booking restaurants/shore excursions, however when connected to the ship's WiFi, that’s when you will get most use out of the app! You can access all of your dinner plans, entertainment, activities and events! You can even chat with Sailor Services (customer services) if you have an issue or a question.
Smart Ship The technology onboard is a game changer. At check-in, you will receive a braided wristband that also serves as your form of payment and key to your room. The ordering process at the restaurants and bars is all done via QR code ordering, which is very easy! They do have paper menus available if needed. The rooms have mood lighting, controlled by the tablet in the room, which controls everything. You can order room service, control the temperature in the room, change the television channel, open and close the curtains!
No Traditional "Drinks Package" Unlike most cruise lines, Virgin Voyages doesn’t offer the typical "all-inclusive" drinks package where you pay a flat fee for unlimited alcohol, sodas and other drinks. Instead, they’ve taken a more modern and simplified approach to their drink offerings, which I think is pretty refreshing (pun intended!) You can pre-purchase a ‘bar tab’ and access this via the wallet section of the app. Drinks are very reasonably priced. What’s Included in the Cruise Fare? Non-Alcoholic Drinks: You’ve got access to a range of non-alcoholic beverages included in your cruise fare, including soft drinks, bottled water, coffee, tea, and juices. So, if you’re not into drinking alcohol, you won’t have to pay extra for your daily caffeine fix or an iced tea by the pool. What’s Not Included? The only things not included in your fare are alcoholic beverages, speciality coffees and premium non-alcoholic drinks like specialty bottled waters or smoothies.
I would recommend Virgin Voyages for every adult - this cruise line will suit everyone, from the millennial to the party lover to the person looking for relaxation to the group out for fun or for the couples and solo travellers.
